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Am I Putting Off Treatment?

Are you a procrastinator? Maybe you are when it comes to little things. Or, perhaps, you tend to put off the things that matter most. This may be out of fear of failure or rejection or for other reasons.

When it comes to making the call to seek treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol, you do not want to procrastinate. If things have escalated enough to make you consider getting help, you need to take that first step.

Putting off getting help for a substance abuse issue can be extremely common. We will discuss some of the reasons one might do so below. You might relate to a few.

The unfortunate truth of the matter is that procrastinating when it comes to seeking treatment can be a life-or-death decision. One day can make all the difference when it comes to getting help. You could overdose or make a risky decision that could cost you your life.

Reasons People Avoid Getting Help

Asking for help is not always easy. Depending on the type of person you are, there could be a long list of undesirable things you would rather do. It is important to understand how strong the power of addiction can be and recognize the urgency of the situation.

A few things that might lead someone to put off treatment could include the following:

  • Denial
  • Shame or guilt
  • Stigma
  • Fear of loss

Denial

One of the more common reasons you might be hesitant to seek treatment is denial. You might think you have everything under control. Can you really stop using substances at any time? Do you have the desire to stop?

You might find yourself going back and forth about whether you actually need treatment or not. The word “addiction” refers to something that has grown out of your control. Could this really be the case for you?

If you are contemplating whether or not your problem is worthy of treatment, the answer is probably yes. More than likely, you have felt the inability to make the decisions you want to make regarding substance use and need some support.

Shame or Guilt

Shame and guilt almost always accompany addiction. We all have people we care about in our lives. Typically, the choices we make due to substance use cause some disappointment or hurt for those we love. This can lead you to feel ashamed or even embarrassed.

The fact that you have lost control can be cause for shame in itself. If you are someone who likes to feel in control, knowing that substances have stripped that away can feel very defeating.

Do your best to accept these feelings, but fight to overcome them. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it is a sign of strength and concern for your well-being. Those who love and care for you will support your decision.

Stigma

The stigma around addiction has evolved throughout history and still exists in today’s society. Luckily, therapy, treatment, and speaking up when you need help are becoming more widely accepted.

Unfortunately, the stigma associated with substance use disorder (SUD) is one that is still relevant enough to create some fear of judgment and rejection for those struggling with it. Do your best to let go of these fears. Putting yourself and your health first is commendable.

Fear of Loss

When you think about entering treatment, you might think that this will lead to great loss. You might be concerned about losing your job, friends, or relationships. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer several different program options, some of which allow for flexibility that could enable you to keep working. Of course, this depends on your specific situation and the level of care you need.

As far as friends and loved ones go, our family program encourages others to get involved so they can learn more about addiction and develop tools for healing and moving forward. Those who truly care will want the best for you and they will be supportive of your journey to recovery.

Don’t Wait Any Longer

These are just a few reasons you might avoid making the call to seek treatment for your addiction. You could make many different reasons and excuses to justify delaying treatment. Whether you are struggling with alcohol, opioids, benzos, cocaine, or other substances, you need to take the first step to regain control of your life.

Continuing to make excuses prolongs the problem and can lead to a more difficult healing a recovery process. Every day and every minute counts when it comes to seeking treatment for addiction. If you are considering making a call, it is time to take action. You have a beautiful life waiting for you in recovery.

It can be easy to put off seeking help for addiction to drugs or alcohol and entering treatment for a variety of reasons. Shame or guilt can keep you from confronting the issue and making the call. Even stigmas or fear of judgment can stand in the way. Perhaps you are worried about losing your job or someone you love. Delaying treatment will only make matters worse. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we would love to speak to you about our programs and discuss how we can help. To begin your journey to recovery, reach out and call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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How to Relax During the Holidays

The holidays can be a hectic, stressful time. Yes, the holidays are supposed to be about family and spending time together. However, this in itself can be stressful or overwhelming for some.

Maybe the holidays make you feel lonely or isolated. You see friends and those around you spending time with loved ones and perhaps you feel a little left out. Or, maybe spending time with family causes you stress. If you are battling addiction, time spent with those you care about can be tense.

The holidays bring on stress and anxiety for many different reasons. People often feel financial pressure during the holidays. The obligation to buy gifts for everyone can be overwhelming. Sometimes, you might even find yourself taking on debt as a result.

If you are struggling with substance abuse or are in recovery, you may be working hard to re-establish financial stability for a variety of reasons. Feeling the pressure of buying gifts around the holidays can be very stressful if you aren’t in a position to do so.

You are also more likely to be exposed to social situations that might involve substances. The holidays are known for parties. You may have a party for work, a party with friends, family parties, and the list goes on. If you are in recovery, these social settings can sometimes lead to discomfort or temptation.

Setting Boundaries

Boundary setting is something you may hear a lot about and discuss throughout treatment. Setting boundaries, especially with those you care about, can be tough sometimes. The truth is, setting boundaries can actually improve relationships. Often, when you are struggling with substance abuse, the relationships you have may become strained or tense. Boundary setting in recovery helps both parties heal and avoid any codependent or triggering behavior.

It is also important to set boundaries for yourself when it comes to navigating the holidays and the many parties and events they can bring. This does not mean you have to avoid these activities. Setting boundaries to ensure you are comfortable and avoid anything that could lead to temptation or relapse is key.

A few tips for setting boundaries in these settings include:

  • Leave early
  • Have an exit plan
  • Connect with your sponsor before and after the event
  • Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages

In addition to setting boundaries for yourself when it comes to attending events, you need to set boundaries for yourself when it comes to your own energy and time. Often, with the best of intentions, family members, coworkers, and friends may place high demands this time of year.

It is crucial to remember the importance of self-care in recovery. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or unable to meet certain expectations, take a moment to explore your own needs. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself and your needs first. Sometimes, this might involve speaking up about how you are feeling, or creating a little distance between yourself and those who are applying the pressure.

Maintaining Balance

Recovery is all about finding your footing without drugs and alcohol. You are focused on building your new life and are likely choosing wisely when it comes to your environments and the people you spend time with. The holidays have a way of disrupting normal routines.

For example, you may have some time off from work for the holidays. This can be an excellent time to rest and recharge. Time off also provides you with extra downtime, which, especially in early recovery, can be tricky to navigate. It is best to stay consistent with your normal routine as best as you can during the holidays.

Wake up and begin your day with some quiet time or meditation. Even if you have the day or week off from work, you still want to start your day off right. Make it a point to continue making it meetings, even if it means attending at a different time, or leaving a gathering a little early.

Relaxation Techniques

When you do find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed out during the holidays, take some time to relax. A few activities to help promote relaxation could include:

  • Taking a warm bath
  • Listening to calming music
  • Diffusing essential oils
  • Engaging in breathing exercises
  • Practicing Meditation
  • Practicing Yoga

Maintaining the boundaries and balance you have created in recovery is critical. In order to avoid relapse, you must prioritize yourself and your sobriety during the holidays. It can be easy to let your guard down or give in to the pressures of others during this time. Extra stress and high expectations can lead to the temptation to seek substances if you aren’t prepared with solid coping strategies. Make the effort to relax when you need to. Your success in recovery is your number one priority.

The holidays are a time for family, great food, and gathering. While this sounds joyous, it can also be stressful. The holidays have a way of applying added pressure. This can include financial pressure, pressure to spend your time with certain people, and pressure to expend energy on things and activities that may not serve you well. It is important to set healthy boundaries and work to maintain balance as you enjoy the holidays. At Enlightened Recovery, we help clients develop routines and habits that promote relaxation. This allows them to be better prepared to cope with stress and adversity in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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How Do I Avoid Feeling Isolated in Recovery?

Addiction can be isolating. You often lose friends, create distance between yourself and family members, and tend to lose interest in the things that used to bring you joy and fulfillment. You become so focused on seeking and using substances that everything and everyone else often becomes secondary.

Recovery can also be isolating. You might think that once you give up using drugs and alcohol, things will fall back into place. Unfortunately, it is not usually that easy. If you have lost friends and burned a few bridges with family members or loved ones, it might take some time to rebuild these relationships.

While addiction and recovery can lead to loneliness, there are a few ways you can reconnect and get engaged with others and in a community of peers.

Meetings and Groups

Typically, attending 12-Step meetings or therapy groups is a requirement as part of your treatment program. This allows you to build bonds and receive support from others who can relate and are going through the same thing.

It is important to continue attending meetings and groups even after completing your treatment program. You will continue to build stronger relationships with others who are also working to stay sober.

Attending therapy groups and meetings also helps you establish accountability. Having accountability in treatment and recovery is crucial. You will have good days and bad days. Having support on the days when you aren’t feeling your best can make all the difference. Group members can give you that support.

Community Involvement

Getting involved and serving your community is a great way to combat isolation during recovery. At Enlightened Recovery, we work to stay very connected with the community. We show clients how they can give back and the value in doing so. Through our various programs and events, we help facilitate positive connections between those in treatment and community members.

Staying busy and filling your days with healthy and positive activities is critical in treatment and recovery. Scheduling some time to volunteer or serve your community can be very beneficial to you and others. Sometimes, the people you meet while completing acts of service can lead to future opportunities for employment or spark new friendships.

Social Gatherings

With the holidays approaching, feelings of isolation can really escalate. If you are struggling with addiction or are new to recovery, you might be hesitant to participate in some of the festivities. While this is understandable, and it is wise to be considerate of the environment, there are some strategies for socializing safely while in recovery.

It is important to set appropriate boundaries when it comes to attending parties or gatherings that you suspect could involve things or people who might be triggering. A few good examples are planning to leave early or bringing an accountability partner with you.

Building Bonds in Treatment

At Enlightened Recovery, we recognize the importance of feeling like you belong and have a community of support. Many of our activities take place in a group setting. This is intentional as it offers opportunities for clients to socialize, bond, and support one another.

Wellness Groups

Our wellness and nutrition groups allow individuals to learn new skills and share experiences in a group setting. We find that people learn better in groups when they work together to accomplish a common goal. We teach cooking skills and offer classes on nutrition and the benefit of organic eating, exercise classes and activities, and more.

Allowing clients the opportunity to explore and learn new things among others who are going through similar struggles creates a sense of camaraderie and establishes a natural support system. This support system often extends beyond treatment and into recovery.

Alumni Program

Our Alumni Program offers an opportunity for those who have completed treatment to remain involved and give back to others who are following in their footsteps. This provides a sense of purpose and extends that sense of belonging first discovered in treatment.

We host regular events and activities that focus on fun and encourage friendship. Feeling isolated and alone at times can be common in recovery. Our programs help eliminate these feelings by offering a welcoming and warm environment for clients to heal and connect with other like-minded individuals.

Staying on track during treatment and recovery isn’t always easy. It is important to create a healthy balance between social time and alone time. Being alone sometimes is okay as long as you have plenty of interaction with others who can support you and have your best interest in mind.

By following the tips listed above, you can avoid feeling isolated and alone during recovery. Staying involved in your treatment program and connecting with others through social engagement and community involvement can give you the sense of belonging we all crave.

Feeling isolated can come with substance abuse as well as addiction recovery. In the throes of addiction, it can become a habit to avoid and push people away. In recovery, it can be hard for others to relate, and setting healthy boundaries can sometimes lead to more time spent alone. By staying engaged and active in your program even after completing treatment, you can continue to build bonds with others who can empathize with you. Enlightened Recovery provides many opportunities for clients to make friends, connect with their community, and develop a strong support system. To learn more about our programs and services and how we can help, call us today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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Fall Gardening: Healing and Harvesting

Spending time in nature can be an excellent escape if you are struggling with substance abuse. Nature in itself can be very healing. Research suggests that actually interacting with nature through gardening or horticulture therapy can be even more beneficial. Spending some time planting or harvesting, even in the fall, can be very calming.

When was the last time you spent some time in a garden? While you may think it is a seasonal activity, there are actually quite a few things that can be planted and harvested in the fall.

Gardening is something some people may do as a hobby. For others, gardening can serve as a therapeutic experience. Watching the fruits of your labor grow and flourish can be very rewarding and healing. Seeing the end product is always fulfilling. Believe it or not, the process of planting, watering, and nurturing can be just as gratifying.

Healing Through Gardening

Let’s dig a little deeper into the healing benefits of gardening and interacting with plants. Some people may really enjoy spending time in a garden, while others may not feel that they have a green thumb at all. Others may feel indifferent or have little experience with gardening.

When you think of gardening, you probably think of planting, trimming, watering, or harvesting. Other activities allow for interaction with gardens and plants too. Here at Enlightened Recovery, our therapeutic horticulture program utilizes natural materials to encourage healing and learning.

This can sometimes involve gardening tasks, but often it looks more unconventional. For example, a session might include making tea from freshly picked herbs from the garden. Or, it may involve seeding pumpkins in the fall to represent new goals and a new life in recovery.

The Farm at Enlightened Recovery

For those who have a green thumb or are interested in learning more about gardening tasks and practices, the farm offers clients an opportunity to learn hands-on. Our staff teaches you the importance of caring for something other than yourself and instills the value of working hard to grow organic and nutritious foods for yourself and your community.

Enlightened Recovery continues to offer activities and programs at the farm throughout the fall and winter seasons. This includes markets, volunteering opportunities, and a transitional employment program for clients.

Gardening in the fall can offer all of the same therapeutic benefits provided in the warmer months. If anything, the cooler temperatures might make the experience even more comfortable. Growing your own organic and nutritious produce can be very empowering and motivating.

At Enlightened Recovery, we offer many programs at our farm that provide opportunities for learning new skills and healing. Staff members encourage clients to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Many even discover talents and abilities they didn’t realize they possessed.

Skill Building on the Farm

While you are healing through our programs such as therapeutic horticulture, you can also learn new skills. Many are surprised by how much they enjoy gardening and farm work. The things you learn while engaging in therapeutic horticulture or other Enlightened Farm programs can help you once you complete treatment and enter recovery.

The skills and knowledge you gain while participating in these programs can also aid you in future employment. You can update your resume with meaningful experiences while still undergoing addiction treatment. This is ideal as it can help eliminate gaps in employment and help you build interest in new potential career fields.

Finding Purpose in Recovery

Engaging in programs at the Enlightened Farm can also provide you with purpose. The work you put in to maintain and care for the garden is for the greater good. You are helping to provide healthy and organic foods for others in treatment and your community.

Knowing that you are caring for something other than yourself and helping it flourish can restore purpose in your life. Many find giving back to be rewarding and motivating. Following addiction, finding purpose and motivation in life can make all the difference.

The skills and knowledge you gain as a result of therapeutic horticulture and farm programs can also revive your sense of purpose. It can be easy to lose touch with your strengths, interests, and skills while under the hold of addiction. You likely are not practicing them much during this time. By participating in gardening and farm activities, you can be reminded of the things that you love and discover new things you may have a gift for.

Cooler temperatures do not mean garden activities and programs stop. Fall gardening is in full swing at the Enlightened Farm, and so is our therapeutic horticulture program. This means that healing through gardening and interacting with nature can continue regardless of the season.

Gardening and spending time in nature is an excellent form of therapy. It not only pleases the senses but can serve as a temporary escape from stressors or worry. At Enlightened Recovery, we are rooted in a commitment to the health and sustenance of the earth and all humanity. Our goal is to support and nourish those struggling with substance use disorder and mental illness with holistic and evidence-based therapies. These include our horticulture therapy and other farm-based programs, which cultivate gratitude and connection among the members of our recovery community. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to Enlightened Recovery today by calling (833) 801-LIVE. 

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How Can Forgiveness Help Me Heal?

Forgiveness can be difficult. We often put off forgiving others by holding a grudge or clinging to feelings of resentment. However, forgiveness can offer a genuine sense of peace. Sometimes, holding on to feelings of anger, bitterness, shame, or guilt can prevent a person from healing.

If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, chances are good that you may be feeling some or all of these feelings. Substance abuse creates tension in relationships and can cause you to behave and respond in ways that may be hurtful to others. You might say things you don’t mean. Your priorities might shift, leaving loved ones questioning your loyalty and care for them and yourself.

Behaving in ways that are out of character can leave you feeling regretful and ashamed. Substances can lead you to do and say things that you usually would not. Addiction strips you of your control, resulting in loss, hurt, and more.

Forgiveness is something that you may need to offer to yourself. It’s also something you may need to receive from others. For everyone involved to heal and take steps to move forward, mutual forgiveness must occur.

Forgiving Yourself

As mentioned, addiction almost always comes with feelings of shame and guilt. Often, these feelings can be so strong that they cause a delay in seeking treatment. You may feel disappointed in yourself for allowing things to get this far.

Forgiving yourself and offering a little grace can help you overcome your feelings of guilt and move forward with seeking help. The first step is often accepting responsibility. Acknowledging your mistakes and the decisions that may have led to your addiction is essential.

Assigning blame is something that can be very common among those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). However, when it comes to forgiving yourself and others, blaming is not helpful. Making excuses can also be very common. You might have been making excuses for yourself or a loved one may have been making them for you.

By assuming responsibility and owning up to your missteps, you can learn from them and work to develop strategies for avoiding making the same mistakes again. This is critical when it comes to staying on track and avoiding relapse.

Receiving Forgiveness

While you may not be in control of this piece, you can help support your loved ones and encourage their forgiveness. Addiction really is a family disease, meaning it has a significant impact on those who love you.

One of the best ways to promote healing and receive forgiveness from loved ones is by getting them involved in the treatment and recovery process along with you. Sometimes, this can take a little convincing. Other times, family members may be open and willing to participate. Often, a lack of understanding can lead to a lack of empathy. This serves as a barrier to healing and moving forward.

Family Program

Enlightened Recovery offers a family program that provides support for those who have loved ones going through treatment. Getting loved ones involved in the treatment process allows them to feel included and offers the opportunity to establish understanding and find some common ground.

We begin by providing information about addiction, as many family members may be unfamiliar with the experience and how powerful it can be. Our family program offers opportunities for loved ones to receive support, advice, and encouragement from other family members who are going through something similar. Creating this sense of community among families can be very comforting and even empowering.

Forgiveness and Healing

Forgiveness is essential when it comes to healing yourself and creating an opportunity for your loved ones to heal. Holding a grudge regarding behavior, choices, or actions that took place as a result of addiction can be common. Substance abuse often leads to lying, risk-taking, avoidance, and other things that can be tough to forgive and overcome.

While some of these things may be hard to forgive, it can be more burdensome to hold onto them and allow resentment to build. Forgiveness can be freeing, both for the forgiver and the one being forgiven. Many times, tough conversations have to be had in order for forgiveness to occur.

Therapists can help you and your loved ones navigate tough conversations. They can also help you learn to process your feelings of shame or regret and work toward forgiving and loving yourself again. Moving forward requires work. Learning to forgive others, forgiving yourself, and being open to forgiveness from others are important pieces of the puzzle.

Recovering from SUD takes time and cannot be done overnight. Taking small steps each day toward forgiveness will instill hope and motivation for moving forward in recovery.

Forgiveness is an important component of addiction recovery. It is critical to forgive yourself for your past mistakes and the things you may have done or said while under the stronghold of addiction. Receiving forgiveness from your loved ones is also essential. By giving and receiving forgiveness, you can mend relationships with yourself and those you care about. This allows you to move forward and find hope in starting fresh in recovery. At Enlightened Recovery, we work to help clients rebuild relationships with their inner selves and loved ones. Our family program creates an opportunity for loved ones to get in involved in the treatment process and begin healing too. To learn more, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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How to Create Understanding With Family in Recovery

The complexities of substance abuse can be tough to understand. For family members and friends of those struggling with addiction, it may be difficult to relate. This is especially the case if they have never struggled with substance abuse.

A lack of understanding can sometimes create tension or false assumptions. Relationships can be strained due to addiction, even once the journey to recovery has begun. Below are a few examples of how conflict can arise when family members or loved ones are uninformed.

Blame and Guilt

When a parent, sibling, spouse, or friend sees their loved one struggling with substance abuse, it can be easy to assign blame. For example, they may feel as if their loved one is simply making poor choices or lacking self-control. While addiction certainly involves unhealthy choices and a loss of control, it is often impossible for the person to regain control without professional help.

Family members may even assign blame to one another in this situation. One parent may blame the other parent for their child’s addiction. This is especially common when one parent has a history of substance use. It can be expected for blame to be assigned to friends or coworkers with whom the loved one spends a lot of time. Bitterness and resentment can begin to pile up.

The truth is, assigning blame when it comes to substance abuse is not only unjustified but is not helpful. When family members or close friends lack understanding regarding addiction, it can be natural to accuse others of influencing the individual in a way that led to their substance abuse.

Conflict and Distance

Substance abuse can also create conflict and distance among family members. Along with assigning blame and experiencing resentment often comes more conflict and eventual distance. The worry and concern can be very consuming, which leads to trouble with other relationships and affects functioning on many levels.

The burden of supporting a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse is not a light load to carry. Codependency can often form as a result of addiction. This leads to damaged relationships and neglect of the caregiver’s personal needs.

Damaged Trust

Trust is critical when it comes to maintaining and building relationships. Often, when someone is struggling with substance abuse, they lose the trust of those who care for them. Once trust is lost, it can be tough to get it back.

Even once someone has decided to seek treatment and enters recovery, many family members or close friends remain skeptical. It can be tough to mend relationships following addiction if all parties are not informed and involved in the healing process.

Involving Family in Treatment

One of the best ways to create understanding among family members regarding addiction recovery is by involving them in the process. This can be extremely helpful when it comes to repairing damaged relationships and starting fresh after treatment.

At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a family program that allows family members to get involved and engaged in the healing and recovery process along with their loved one. We also provide opportunities for family therapy, which helps develop strong communication and set appropriate boundaries. Some sessions are designed for the family members alone, and others may cater to the individual receiving treatment services along with their family members.

These sessions help family members and loved ones better understand the disease of addiction. This can help resolve feelings of shame or guilt and create an overall understanding of what their loved one is going through. Supporting someone who battles addiction is tough, so getting some insight into the power of substance abuse can help create some empathy.

Enlightened Recovery also invites family members and loved ones to join in on some of the activities provided to clients. This can include yoga and meditation classes, which can be beneficial in healing and reducing tension for everyone involved. We also encourage families to attend support group meetings and stay involved through alumni meetings once their loved one has completed the treatment process.

Benefits of Family Programs

For many, family is everything. So many individuals struggling with substance abuse have family members or loved ones who are involved in their lives and are desperate for help. They likely feel out of control and hopeless. Allowing them to learn more about addiction and develop strategies for healing and supporting the recovery process can be very empowering. Family involvement during treatment also leads to better support and accountability throughout recovery.

Creating understanding for family members and loved ones regarding substance abuse is not always straightforward. It may take effort to find common ground. Inviting them to learn more by getting involved in family programs is a great place to start.

When you are struggling with substance abuse, it can feel very isolating. This is often because many of your family members and loved ones do not understand what you are going through and have no idea how to help. Creating understanding with family in recovery is essential to rebuilding trust, repairing relationships, and moving forward. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer family programs that aim to inform loved ones about the disease of addiction. Our therapists teach healthy communication techniques and boundaries to help family members best support you in recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, make the choice to seek help and call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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How Can I Give Back During Treatment and Recovery?

What does giving back mean to you? For some, giving back might mean donating to charity. Others may consider giving back as helping someone with their groceries or paying for the coffee for the person ahead of them in the drive-thru.

Whatever giving back looks like for you, it probably gives you a sense of warmth and fulfillment to do it. During treatment and recovery, giving back is essential. Addiction has a way of making you lose your sense of purpose. You may lose sight of your goals and feel disconnected from loved ones and the community.

One of the best ways to reconnect and find your place in society in recovery is by giving back. There are many ways to contribute to your community while healing and recovering from substance use disorder (SUD).

Volunteering/Community Service

Community service tends to have a negative connotation. The truth is, however, that people may participate in community service for many different reasons. One of them, of course, can be to fulfill a court order. Some, however, choose to serve the community voluntarily.

For many, giving their time and efforts to better their neighborhoods is very rewarding. Working together to accomplish a common goal that will be seen or experienced by other community members can be very healing. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a volunteer program through the Enlightened Farm that welcomes treatment recipients and community members to work together.

Giving back through our volunteer program allows clients to connect with supportive members of the community who share common goals and believe in the mission. An added advantage is an opportunity to learn farm functions and develop new skills.

Sharing Skills and Talents

During treatment and recovery, you may likely tap into some skills and hobbies you may have forgotten about. It can be common to neglect your interests and passions amid addiction. One way of giving back during treatment and recovery is by using your skills and abilities to benefit those around you.

For example, suppose you are a skilled singer or musician. In that case, you may volunteer to play for special recovery events or utilize your talents to support others during a music therapy session. Perhaps you have a green thumb and want to contribute by offering to teach a skill during therapeutic horticulture.

Through Enlightened Recovery’ employment program at the farm, we urge clients to learn new skills and build confidence in their ability to use them. Giving back to the program by putting newly acquired skills to work really becomes a full-circle moment that clients tend to feel great about.

Alumni Program

Remaining involved after completing your treatment program has many benefits. New clients can see that success through the program is possible, which gives them hope.

Alumni events at Enlightened Recovery occur regularly and focus on interaction and having fun. Allowing incoming clients or individuals who may be new to recovery to hear firsthand stories of success can be incredibly motivating.

Additionally, our alumni program encourages graduates of the program to remain connected. A robust support system is critical in recovery. Our programs promote relationship-building and encourage clients to form bonds with each other as they work toward a common goal of sobriety. By staying active as alumni, clients can continue to grow these relationships and support each other throughout recovery.

Benefits of Giving Back

Doing good for others benefits both parties. It helps the recipient, which could be a person, a group, or the community as a whole. Giving back also benefits the person doing the giving in many ways.

Finding Purpose

As mentioned, addiction can leave you feeling unsure of what is next and uncertain of your purpose in the world. Giving back reminds you that you can make a difference in the lives of others and your community despite everything you have been through. It can help ease the feelings of shame and guilt that so often accompany substance abuse.

Staying Busy

It is important to stay busy and productive during treatment and recovery. By participating in any of the activities mentioned above or by finding other ways to give back, you can occupy your time with positive activities. You will learn to replace old, bad habits with new, healthier ones. These can include eating well, staying active, remaining mindful, attending 12-Step meetings, and more. Along with these lifestyle changes, scheduling time to do something good for others is a great addition.

Enlightened Recovery offers a variety of ways for clients and alumni to give back on a regular basis. We understand the importance of connecting with the community and contributing in a positive way. Consider giving back to others during treatment and recovery; the benefits are endless and can remind you how much you matter.

Giving back while you are going through treatment and as you enter recovery has many advantages. Getting connected with others in the community is crucial when recovering from addiction. This can help establish a network of supporters who can encourage and motivate you when you need it most. Giving back can also restore your sense of purpose and keep your mind and body busy. Enlightened Recovery offers many opportunities for clients and alumni to give back to others and the community. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we would love to help. To learn more about our treatment programs, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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Why You Should Stay Active After Addiction

Living an active lifestyle has many benefits. Being active can involve sports, exercise, or even hobbies. Keeping yourself busy by doing things that add value to your life and improve your overall wellness can be very advantageous.

If you have struggled with substance abuse, you may know the importance of developing new hobbies and routines. Staying busy can help you avoid triggering situations and can help you fight cravings. It can also help improve your mental and physical health, which substances can take a considerable toll on.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Let’s talk a bit more about the benefits of physical activity. Many things need work as your body begins to detox from drugs and alcohol. For instance, your sleep patterns may be disrupted, and getting quality sleep may become a challenge. Your appetite may be affected, along with your digestive and metabolic function. Additionally, you are bound to experience some highs and lows when it comes to mood and motivation.

Exercise and staying active can improve your health in each of the areas mentioned above. Regular exercise can significantly increase the amount of quality sleep you get each night. The more active you are during the day, the more energy you expend and the more tension you release. This allows your mind and body to relax when it is time for bed.

Living an active lifestyle also helps improve your appetite and metabolism. Physical activity, along with eating healthy and nutritious foods, helps improve insulin and blood sugar levels. This is important because these levels can affect your mood, focus, and overall functioning.

Physical Activity During Treatment

The lifestyle changes that occur following active addiction really begin during treatment. You will be introduced to a variety of new activities that promote wellness and healing throughout the program. One of the activities Enlightened Recovery introduces to clients is yoga. Through activities like yoga and meditation, we encourage a mind, body, and spiritual connection, which promotes better self-understanding and self-expression. Learn more about our yoga classes here.

At Enlightened Recovery, we also incorporate various outdoor activities through our experiential therapy program. These activities include surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, and more. We find that clients often discover new hobbies and strengths by participating in our programs. The hope is for clients to continue to participate in similar activities throughout recovery.

Our staff at Enlightened Recovery helps clients create new, healthy routines and habits during treatment. This might include daily walks or time spent meditating each morning. It could involve time spent working in the garden or making music. All of our programs and activities are geared toward healing and growth. We understand the importance of staying busy and active following treatment and make efforts to instill this value in our clients.

Tips for Staying Active in Recovery

Following treatment, you are likely to regain a sense of freedom and flexibility regarding your schedule and routine. You are also likely to resume some of your daily activities and responsibilities, such as work or school. It can be easy to push things aside and allow your priorities to shift a bit after treatment. It is important, however, to remember the value of staying active and involved in activities that enhance your mental and physical health throughout recovery. Below are a few tips for staying active and on track.

Join a Class

Creating some accountability when it comes to staying focused on your goals is always a good idea. In order to remain active and involved during recovery, you could choose to join a group or class. This could be a yoga class, running club, cycle class, or even a social group. Connecting with others who share a common goal can help you continue to prioritize your health and happiness.

Try New Things

You are likely to explore new activities and hobbies during treatment. Don’t let it end when you complete your program. Continue to try new, healthy activities that promote wellness. By adding some variety to your methods of physical activity, you are less likely to feel burdened or obligated to participate.

Set Goals

Goal setting is so valuable when it comes to treatment and recovery. Goals not only provide guidance but also create opportunities for giving yourself credit for your success. Setting realistic goals when it comes to your lifestyle and activity level can help keep you motivated. You are more likely to follow through when you have set a goal to do so.

Staying active and occupied during recovery is essential to long-term success. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures or are more of an indoor kind of person, make sure to squeeze in some time for your preferred physical activities. This will improve your mental and physical health and help you maintain sobriety.

Staying active is extremely valuable for everyone. It enhances one’s quality of life by improving mental and physical health, reducing illness, boosting mood, and more. For those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), physical activity can be helpful in many different ways. At Enlightened Recovery, we engage clients with many different activities to promote health and wellness. We understand the benefits activities such as yoga, paddle boarding, or hiking can have when it comes to healing from SUD. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, we would love to hear from you. To get help and begin your journey to recovery, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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Is My Social Life Fueling My Addiction?

Have you ever heard people say, “You are the company you keep”? There is some truth to this. The people you surround yourself with can have a significant influence on the way you think and behave. They can also contribute to determining what you spend your time doing.

You are likely to hang around people who share your interests and hobbies. For instance, if you enjoy surfing or yoga, you might have friends who also like to participate in these activities. If you enjoy art or music, you may have friends who share these passions.

Sometimes, you may end up spending time around certain groups of people as a result of other factors. One example could include your job. Depending on your occupation, your role may require you to work closely with others. Often, friendships and relationships can form as a result of the time spent with coworkers.

When you meet new people and begin to spend more time with them, you may find yourself conforming to some of their habits and lifestyle choices. If you spend a lot of time with people who drink alcohol or use substances, you are more likely to do so yourself.

Assessing Your Social Circles

If you are battling addiction, it can be common to hang around others who are living with similar struggles. This often makes obtaining alcohol, benzos, opioids, or other substances more convenient. It also reduces the fear of judgment or rejection.

With addiction often comes some distance or strain on relationships with family members and loved ones. If you know they would not support your substance abuse, you will likely spend less time with them. This being the case, you are probably spending most of your time with people who also use drugs or drink alcohol and less time with those who do not. You may even be avoiding those who care for you the most.

The Role of Your Environment

When you consider your social life and the places you frequent, what do those places look like? If you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may be spending a lot of your time going to bars, parties, or attending other social events that have substances present. Or, you may be spending time alone in isolated areas that allow for more open substance use.

The unfortunate truth is that being in these environments will likely encourage your substance abuse to continue. Despite your efforts to try to stop drinking or using drugs, being around alcohol or substances can make it very difficult to stick to your goals.

Further, continuing to attend the same parties, venues, or locations once in recovery can lead to relapse. Amid your efforts to refrain from substance use, it is best to avoid places that could be tempting or triggering.

Making a Change and Seeking Help

Friends are important, and most people want to have some sort of social life. When it comes to socializing, people tend to be creatures of habit. We often spend our time with a handful of the same people, going to the same places and doing many of the same things. This applies to substance use and spending time with people and in places that cater to this habit. Breaking this cycle can be difficult.

Fear of change can often serve as a deterrent for some when it comes to seeking treatment. Leaving behind friends and activities and avoiding places you have grown accustomed to can be a little unsettling.

The fact is that when you decide to enter treatment, you are making a choice to walk away from the things that nurtured and encouraged your addiction. Often, this includes people and places you may have grown fond of.

Finding a New Community of Peers

In order to really start fresh and begin to heal, you need new friends, hobbies, and environments. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a variety of group activities to encourage relationship-building. This promotes peer-to-peer support and can lead to strong bonds with others that can carry into recovery.

We understand the value of a good support system and connectedness within the community. We encourage you to get involved and build your network through our programs at our Enlightened Farm and other community outreach opportunities.

Leaving your old life behind to enter recovery can be hard and even a little sad for some. Eliminating certain people or activities and substances can leave a void. The key is to fill the void with people and things that serve your new lifestyle. You can turn your life around by seeking treatment for your addiction. Through our programs at Enlightened Recovery, you can have a fulfilling social life in recovery.

Having a social life is important for most people. When it comes to addiction and recovering from substance abuse, it is essential to consider the ways in which your social life and those around you contribute to your drinking or drug use. Making the decision to seek treatment often means cutting some people and places out of your life. While this can be difficult, it is often best. At Enlightened Recovery, we help clients form new habits, friendships, and routines that support their sobriety and goals in recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, we would love to help. To begin your journey to recovery, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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